JPH09245158A - Image processing method and its device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the operation efficiency of image processing by reducing a burden to an operator's work. SOLUTION: CPU 53 detects a reference point to be referred to in order to insert cut off data in a frame data 111 from prepared line data 114 and correlates the reference point to the line data 114. Next, each parameter and the reference point of frame data 111 are referred to so as to detect a magnification for converting cut off data to a prescribed size. Next, an offset quantity for positioning cut off data at the prescribed position within frame data 111 is detected by referring to the magnification, each parameter and the reference point based on an offset quantity arithmetic algorithm 523. Next after converting cutoff data to a prescribed size based on the magnification based on a composing algorithm 524, size-converted cut-off data is inserted to the prescribed position of frame data 111 by referring to the offset quantity.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing method and apparatus, for example, a newspaper, an advertisement or a catalog,
When posting a person or product, an image that can be combined after converting the size of the image information including the basic person etc. to the predetermined position of the image information representing the background that is predetermined based on the paper surface configuration of the newspaper etc. A processing method and apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art On a newspaper page, portraits of people whose size and background are the same are different from each other are frequently listed. A typical example is when enumerating photos of candidates for elections. In such a case, it is required that the size of the person and the arrangement position of the person are the same in all the person photographs. Previously, the operator had to rely on manual work to align the sizes and positions. However, with the progress of image processing technology, an image processing apparatus that executes the above work has been developed and used in order to reduce the burden on the operator.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining image processing executed by a conventional image processing apparatus. FIG. 10 (a)
Is image data (hereinafter, referred to as frame data) 80 that the operator creates in advance based on the newspaper surface configuration.
1 is shown. The frame data 801 is image data corresponding to the background portion of the portrait, and defines first reference points A, B, C and D. The first reference point specifies the position where the person portion is combined, and has a two-dimensional coordinate value (X, Y). The coordinate origin O of this two-dimensional coordinate value is generally set at the lower left end of the frame data 801 as shown in FIG. In addition,
The reference point A defines the top of the person, the reference point B defines the right ear of the person, the reference point C defines the left ear of the person, and the reference point D defines the position of the jaw of the person.

FIG. 10B shows image data (hereinafter referred to as basic data) 802 which is a basis for creating a portion to be combined with the frame data 801. The basic data 802 is created by reading a prepared original image such as a certification photograph into the image processing apparatus using a scanner or the like (not shown). Basic data 802 shown in FIG.
In the process of image processing, a part to be combined is cut out with a pointing device (mouse, digitizer, etc.) included in the image processing apparatus. Hereinafter, the cut-out image data (see the dotted line) is referred to as cut-out data 803. In the cutout data 803, the first reference points A to D are used.
Are designated by a pointing device or the like to the corresponding second reference points A ′ to D ′, and are associated with the cutout data 803.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the procedure of this image processing. Image processing in the conventional image processing apparatus will be described below with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.

The operator instructs the frame data 801 to be created and stored in a data storage unit (not shown) provided inside the image processing apparatus. In response to this, the data storage unit stores the frame data 801 (step S
91).

Next, the operator causes the image display unit (not shown) to display the basic data 802 previously read by a scanner or the like (not shown) and stored in the data storage unit. The contour of the portion of the person portion to be combined with the frame data 801 is traced with a pointing device or the like. The image processing apparatus stores the inside of the traced contour as cutout data 803 in the data storage unit. In addition, the operator is
In, the position of the person's crown (see point A '), left and right ears (see points B'and C'), and chin (see point D ') is designated. In response to this, the image processing apparatus displays the point A ′.
The two-dimensional coordinate values of ~ D 'are stored in the data storage unit in association with the cutout data 802 (step S92).

After that, an image synthesizing unit (not shown) of the image processing apparatus obtains the distance AD in the Y-axis direction between the points A and D based on the frame data 801, and the cutout data 80.
3 and the distance A′D ′ in the y-axis direction between the point A ′ and the point D ′. After this, two distances AD and A '
The ratio with D '(AD / A'D') is calculated, and this is used as the scaling factor. The image synthesizing unit uses this scaling factor as the cutout data 80.
Multiply 3 (excluding the 2nd reference point) and cut out data 8
The size of 03 is transformed. Then, the image composition unit
The cutout data 803 whose size is converted so that the x-coordinate of the midpoint between the points B ′ and C ′ matches the X-coordinate of the midpoint between the points B and C is stored in the frame data 801. It is arranged (step S93). After that, the image processing apparatus displays the result of combining the cutout data 803 and the frame data 801 on an image display unit (not shown) provided inside (step S94) and makes the operator confirm. Step S9 above
When the processes of 1 to S94 are completed, one person photograph to be printed on the paper is completed.

[0009]

As described above, in the conventional image processing apparatus, the operator has to operate the pointing device in the process of step S92 to indicate the parietal region, the chin and the left and right ears. . These four points serve as a reference when synthesizing the cutout data and the frame data, and thus must be specified accurately. Therefore, there is a problem that the operator is forced to perform a troublesome operation. This problem does not matter so much when there is only one portrait photograph to be combined, but it causes a serious situation when enumerating a large number of portrait photographs on the newspaper such as at the time of election. This is because the number of times the operator operates the pointing device increases, which significantly reduces the work of the apparatus itself.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing method and an image processing apparatus using the same, which can reduce the work load on the operator and, as a result, improve the work efficiency of image processing. It is to be.

[0011]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, image information read from an image original (hereinafter, referred to as first image information) is converted into background image information (hereinafter, referred to as first image information). , Second image information), wherein the second image information includes a parameter for defining a predetermined area in the background, and is instructed to the first image information. A first step of generating and storing contour information for defining the contour of the image, and based on the contour information, image information of a portion to be combined with the second image information from the first image information (hereinafter, Based on the parameter and the reference point, a second step of cutting out and storing (referred to as third image information), a third step of detecting a reference point referred to at the time of synthesis from the contour information, and a third step based on the parameter and the reference point. The size that fits the image information to the specified area A fourth step of determining a magnification for converting, on the basis of the ratio obtained in the fourth step,
And a fifth step of converting the size of the third image information and combining with the second image information.

According to the first aspect of the invention described above, conventionally, after the operator's judgment has instructed the image information of the portion to be combined with the image information of the background, the reference point is further instructed. The reference point is automatically detected in the second step based on the contour information created in the first step.
As a result, the work load on the operator is reduced, and as a result, the work efficiency of image processing is improved.

A second invention is the first invention, further comprising a sixth step of obtaining an offset amount of the third image information with respect to a predetermined area of the second image information based on the parameter and the reference point. The step 5 is characterized in that after the size of the third image information is converted based on the magnification, the position of the third image information is shifted based on the offset amount and is combined with the second image information. To do.

In the above-described first invention, the fifth step is based on the magnification obtained in the fourth step.
Since only the size of the third image information is converted and combined with the second image information, there may be a case where the third image information cannot be fitted into a predetermined area of the second image information. On the other hand, in the above-described second invention, the fifth step shifts the third image information based on the offset amount. Therefore, the third image information is
Regardless of the state, it can be combined with the second image information.

According to a third aspect of the invention, image information read from an image original (hereinafter referred to as first image information) is background image information prepared in advance (hereinafter referred to as second image information).
And a background storage unit that stores second image information including a parameter for defining a predetermined area in the background, and a device for combining the first image information and the background storage unit. Contour information generating / storing means for generating and storing contour information for defining the contour, and image information of a portion to be combined with the second image information from the first image information based on the contour information (hereinafter, Based on the partial image storage means for clipping and storing (referred to as the third image information), the reference point detection means for detecting the reference point referred to when synthesizing from the contour information, and the parameter and the reference point. And a magnification calculation means for calculating a magnification for converting the image information of No. 3 into a size suitable for a predetermined area, and the size of the third image information based on the magnification calculated by the magnification calculation means, Combined with the second image information And means.

According to the third aspect of the invention described above, conventionally, after the operator's judgment, the image information of the background and the image information of the portion to be combined are instructed, and then the reference point is instructed. The reference point detecting means automatically detects the reference point based on the contour information created by the generating / storing means. As a result, the work load on the operator is reduced, and as a result, the work efficiency of image processing is improved.

In a fourth aspect based on the third aspect, there is further provided an offset amount calculating means for calculating an offset amount of the third image information with respect to a predetermined area of the second image information, based on the parameter and the reference point. The synthesizing unit converts the size of the third image information based on the magnification, shifts the position of the third image information based on the offset amount, and synthesizes the third image information with the second image information. And

According to the third aspect of the invention described above, the size of the third image information is simply converted based on the magnification calculated by the magnification calculating means and is combined with the second image information. There may be a case where the image information of 1 cannot be fitted into the predetermined area of the second image information. On the other hand, in the above-mentioned fourth invention, the third image information is shifted based on the offset amount. Therefore, the third image information can be combined with the second image information regardless of the state.

[0019]

Other Embodiments of the Invention The present invention also includes the following other embodiments. In the first aspect, the central processing unit (CPU) of the computer system executes the image information read from the image original (hereinafter, referred to as first image information) to prepare a background image prepared in advance. A portable recording medium storing an algorithm for combining with information (hereinafter, referred to as second image information), wherein the second image information includes a parameter for defining a predetermined area in the background, A first step of generating and storing contour information for defining a contour of an image instructed with respect to the first image information; and, from the first image information to the second image information, based on the contour information. Image information of the part to be combined (hereinafter, the third
(Referred to as image information of the image information) and a third step of detecting a reference point to be referred to when synthesizing from the contour information, and the third image information based on the parameter and the reference point. Of the third image information is converted based on the fourth step of obtaining a magnification for converting to a size that matches the predetermined area, and the second image information. The algorithm for executing the fifth step of combining and is stored.

According to a second aspect, in the first aspect, the sixth step of obtaining the offset amount of the third image information with respect to the predetermined area of the second image information is further executed based on the parameter and the reference point, In the fifth step, after converting the size of the third image information based on the magnification, the position of the third image information is shifted based on the offset amount,
It is characterized in that it is combined with the second image information.

[0021]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Before describing the configuration and operation of an image processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, the principle of image processing executed by the image processing apparatus will be described.
The image processing in this embodiment means that a cut-out portion from basic image data (hereinafter referred to as basic data) is within a predetermined area of image data (hereinafter referred to as frame data) corresponding to a preset background. It means the process of scaling and arranging.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing frame data. FIG.
In the above, the frame data 111 corresponds to the background portion as described above, and the size of the background is the horizontal size X and the vertical size Y.
Defined by Also, this frame data 111
Is usually a so-called flat mesh with uniform density. Further, in order that the cutout portion can be combined in a predetermined area, the horizontal free space size f, which is a free space on both the left and right sides,
A sky space size g that is an upper space and a throat space size h that is a lower space are defined. Therefore, the face of the person (the cutout portion) is fitted inside the dotted line in the frame data 111. The two-dimensional coordinate origin O for defining the values of the above parameters may be at any position, but in the present embodiment, the frame data 1
The lower left end of 11.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a first example of basic data and mask data defining a cutout portion from the basic data. FIG. 2A shows the basic data 112. In FIG. 2A, the basic data 112 is image data including a person portion that is combined with the frame data 111. In the process of this image processing, the basic data 112
Mask data 113 indicating the cutout portion CO from is created. FIG. 2B shows the mask data 113. The mask data 113 is created based on the line data 114 showing the contour of the cutout portion CO. Basic data 1
By masking 12 with the mask data 113,
Only the cutout portion CO from the basic data 112 is shown (see cutout image CI shown in FIG. 3). This cutout image C
In order to fit I into the predetermined area of the frame data 111,
In addition to converting the sizes of the basic data 112 and the mask data 113, it is necessary to convert the two-dimensional coordinate values of the basic data 112 and the mask data 113 so that the basic data 112 and the mask data 113 can be accurately arranged in a predetermined area of the frame data 111. In the following description, a parameter required for such coordinate conversion will be referred to as an offset amount. Also, cutout image C
The basic data 112 and the mask data 113 necessary to represent I will be collectively referred to as cutout data 119.

From the line data 114, in order to convert the two-dimensional coordinate values of the cutout data 119, the top of the person and the left and right ends (in principle, the left and right ears) are detected, 3 corresponding to the parietal area and the left and right ends
The point is used as a reference point. In the line data 114 shown in FIG. 2A, the reference point a ₁ (x _a1 , y _a1 ) corresponds to the crown, the reference point b ₁ (x _b1 , y _b1 ) corresponds to the right ear, and the reference point c. ₁ (x _c1 , y _c1 ) corresponds to the left ear. These three reference points are represented by two-dimensional coordinates relative to the coordinate origin O _'1.

As described above, in the process of this image processing, the magnification M ₁ for converting the cutout data 119 into a size that can be fitted into the predetermined area of the frame data 111 must be obtained. The magnification M ₁ is obtained by dividing the horizontal length of the predetermined area shown in FIG. 1 by the horizontal lengths of the left and right ends of the line data 114 shown in FIG. The horizontal length of this predetermined area is {X− (2 × f)}, and the horizontal lengths of the left and right ends (that is, the horizontal distance between the reference points b and c) are , (X _c1 −x _b1 ). Therefore, the magnification M ₁ is calculated by the following equation (1). M ₁ = {X− (2 × f)} / (x _c1 −x _b1 ) ... (1) Then, the cutout data 119 (basic data 112 and mask data 113) is scaled by this magnification M ₁ . In the following description, this scaled cutout data 1
19 will be referred to as variable-magnification cutout data 119 '.

The variable scale cut-out data 119 'is an offset amount.
The position is corrected based on Figure 4 shows the above
It is a figure for demonstrating a fuss amount. Figure 4 shows the scaling
Cutout data 119 '(coordinate origin O'₁ ) And frame data
111 (coordinate origin O) is shown. Variable cutout day
Data 119 'is created based on the basic data 112.
Therefore, the coordinate origin is O '₁Remains.
However, as described above, the frame data 111 is independent.
Since it has the coordinate origin O of
To insert 9'into the frame data 111, the offset
Amount (x_off, Y _off) Is calculated, and variable scale cutout data 11
It is necessary to correct the 9'position. That is, the lateral
X, which is the offset amount_offTo find the
From the lateral midpoint of both ears in data 119 '
It suffices to subtract the horizontal midpoint of the predetermined area. Therefore,
Offset amount x_offIs calculated by the following equation (2). x_off=-[{(X_c+ X_b) / 2} × M₁ -(X / 2)] (2) In addition, y which is the vertical offset amount_offTo seek
From the position of the top of the variable scale cutout data 119 '
Subtract the position of the upper end of the predetermined area (that is, (Yg))
Just do it. Therefore, y_offIs calculated by the following equation (3)
It is. y_off=-{Y_a× M₁ -(Y-g)} (3) This offset amount is included in the variable-magnification cutout data 119 '.
(X_off, Y_off) By adding
The position of the data 119 'is corrected. As a result
Then, the scaled-out clipping data 119 'is
A composite image 118 shown in FIG.
Is obtained.

Depending on the person, the left and right ends of the head may not necessarily correspond to the left and right ears. For example, a person with long hair. In such a case, generally, the left and right ends of the head are hair parts. However, when the magnification is detected with the hair part as a reference, the face part in the combined portrait becomes smaller than other portraits. In such a case, as an exception, the magnification M ₂ is calculated as follows. FIG.
[Fig. 6] is a diagram showing a second example of basic data. As in the case of FIG. 2, the basic data 112 is also image data including a person portion that is combined with the frame data 111. From the line data 114 showing the outline of the cut-out image from the basic data 112, the top of the person and the left and right ends are detected,
In addition, the operator operates the pointing device 55 (described later) to specify the position of the jaw. Four points corresponding to the crown, both left and right ends, and the position of the jaw are used as reference points. In FIG. 6, the reference point a ₂ (x _a2 , y
_a2) may correspond to the top, the reference point _{b 2 (x b2, y b2} ) may correspond to a right end, the reference point _{c 2 (x c2, y c2} ) may correspond to the left end,
The reference point d ₂ (x _d2 , y _d2 ) corresponds to the chin. These four reference points correspond to the basic data 1 as described in FIG.
Since it is based on 12, the coordinate origin O ′ ₂ different from the coordinate origin O of the frame data 111 is defined as a reference. In addition,
Also in the second example shown in FIG. 6, mask data is created based on the line data 114, as in the case of the first example described above. Then, using the mask data, the basic data 11
2 is masked, and the cutout data 119 as described above is obtained.

As described above, the basic data 11 shown in FIG.
As for the cutout data 119 based on 2, the magnification M ₂ for converting into a size that can be fitted into the predetermined area of the frame data 111 must be obtained in the process of the main image processing, as described above. This magnification M ₂ is obtained by dividing the vertical length of the predetermined region shown in FIG. 1 by the vertical lengths of the upper and lower ends (the length from the crown to the jaw portion) shown in FIG. The vertical length of the predetermined area is {Y-
(G + h)}, the addition, the vertical length of the upper and lower ends (i.e., the distance between both ears) is a (y _a2 -y _d2). Therefore, the magnification M ₂ is calculated by the following equation (4). _{M 2 = {Y- (g +} h)} / (y a2 -y d2) ... (4)

Even in the case of the cutout data 119 based on the basic data 112 shown in FIG. 6, the principle for detecting the offset amount is the same as that described above.
The description is omitted.

Next, the configuration and operation of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the principle described above. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 7, the first storage device 51 that can be read and written.
(Eg RAM) and read-only second storage device 5
2 (for example, ROM), CPU 53, and monitor 54
, A pointing device 55, and a keyboard 56 are connected via a system bus 57.

The first storage device 51 stores the frame data 111.
(See FIG. 1) and basic data 112 (see FIG. 2 (a))
The mask data 119 (see FIG. 2B) and the line data 114 (see FIG. 2A) are stored.

The second storage device 52 has a reference point detection algorithm 521, a magnification calculation algorithm 522, an offset amount calculation algorithm 523, and a combination algorithm 5.
24 and 24 are stored. The reference point detection algorithm 521 is
It is an algorithm for detecting a reference point (see FIG. 2 or FIG. 4). The magnification calculation algorithm 522 is an algorithm for obtaining the magnification M ₁ or M ₂ for converting the size of the cutout data 119 based on each parameter defined in the frame data 111 and the reference point. The offset amount calculation algorithm 523 uses the scale factor M ₁ or M
_This is an algorithm for obtaining the offset amount (x _off , y _off ) of the variable-magnification cutout data 119 ′ based on ₂ , the above-mentioned parameter, and the reference point. Synthesis algorithm 524
The cut-out data 119 is multiplied by the scaling factor M ₁ or M ₂ to convert the size, and then the scaled cut-out data 119 ′.
Is an algorithm for adding the above-mentioned offset amount and combining them.

The CPU 53, when executing image processing,
The cutout data 119 is combined with the frame data 111 based on the above algorithms. Pointing device 5
Reference numeral 5 designates a boundary (see a dotted line portion in FIG. 2) between the portion to be cut out and the other portion in the basic data 112 based on the operation of the operator, and various instructions are given to the CPU 53.
Notify. The keyboard 56 also notifies the CPU 53 of various instructions based on the operation of the operator. The monitor 54 is a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube).
It is composed of a display or the like, and displays the cutout data 119, the frame data 111, and the composite image 118.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the procedure of image processing in the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. The procedure of the main image processing will be described below with reference to FIGS.

First, the operator stores the basic data 112 in the first storage device 51 using a scanner (not shown) or the like. Next, the operator operates the pointing device 55 and the keyboard 56 to create the frame data 111 corresponding to the background portion of the portrait, assuming that the portrait is posted on a newspaper page. Next, the operator operates the pointing device 55 or the like to instruct to store the completed frame data 111 in the first storage device 51. In response to this, the CPU 53 stores the completed frame data 111 in the first storage device 51 (step S601).

Next, the operator operates the pointing device 55 or the like to notify the CPU 53 that the basic data 112 is read from the first storage device 51. In response to this, the CPU 53 reads out the basic data 112 from the first storage device 51, and monitors the basic data 112 by the monitor 5.
4 is displayed. The operator operates the pointing device 55 to instruct the boundary between the portion to be cut out and the other portion in the displayed basic data 112, thereby generating the line data 114. After this,
The CPU 53 stores, in the first storage device 51, the mask data 113 (see FIG. 2B) representing the designated area, that is, the area of the person portion. Further, the CPU 53 also stores the line data 114 applied to the boundary portion in the first storage device 51.
(Step S602). The line data 114 is a set of points having two-dimensional coordinate values.

Next, the CPU 53
It is inquired whether the reference point is easily or difficultly detected from the line data 114 (step S603). At this time, the operator looks at the basic data 112 displayed on the monitor 54 and inputs the answer to this inquiry by operating the pointing device 55 or the like. In response to this input, C
The PU 53 executes step S604 or step S609.
Move to the processing of. The determination as to whether it is easy or difficult is made based on whether the left and right ears are at the left and right ends of the head.

First, a case will be described in which the operator inputs a reply indicating that it is easy to detect the reference point from the line data 114 (that is, the basic data 112 as shown in FIG. 2).

In the processing of step S604, the CP
U53 is based on the reference point detection algorithm 521,
A reference point is detected from the line data 114 (step S60).
4). The CPU 53 first determines from the line data 114 the y coordinate.
Find the point with the largest value and find the point with the largest y-coordinate value.
Data is reference point a₁It is prescribed. Next, the CPU 53
Reference point a₁Line data distributed closer to the origin than the x coordinate value of
For 114, point a ₁To the direction in which the y coordinate value decreases
And the line data 114 is scanned for each point and x
The operation of detecting the coordinate value is repeatedly executed. That
The x-coordinate value detected at this time is lower than the x-coordinate value detected last time.
If it is decreasing, scan in the direction in which the y coordinate value further decreases
Keep doing. In the process of this processing, the CPU 53 detects
The issued x-coordinate value has increased more than the previously detected x-coordinate value.
At this time, the x-coordinate value detected previously is retained as a reference point candidate.
I do. The CPU 53 further decreases the y coordinate value.
And continues to detect the x-coordinate value. At this time, the CPU
53 is calculated in advance from the x coordinate value of the held reference point candidate.
Whether or not the increasing tendency of the x coordinate value continues up to the set predetermined amount
Find out. The CPU 53 shows that the increasing tendency continues above the predetermined amount.
If there is a reference point b, the stored reference point candidate is officially changed to the reference point b.₁
(Right ear of the person) and abort the process. on the other hand,
In the CPU 53, the increasing tendency did not continue beyond the above predetermined amount.
If the retained reference point candidate is released,
Is executed, and the detected x coordinate value is the x coordinate detected last time.
Search for points that increase above the mark. The above process
Repeatedly executed, the CPU 53 causes the reference point b₁Is detected.
Here, the reason why the predetermined amount or more is set is that the head of a person is generally
Since the shape has irregularities as shown in FIG.
(Because of the hair style, etc.)
If it is, it may be judged that it is uneven due to hair style etc.
It is. Further, the CPU 53 causes the point a this time.₁X coordinate of
About the line data 114 distributed on the opposite side of the origin from the value
Then, perform the same procedure to find the reference point c from the data.
₁(Person's left ear) is detected. CPU53, this regulation
Reference point a₁, B₁And c₁To the line data 114
The data is linked and stored in the first storage device 51.

Next, the CPU 53 calculates the magnification based on the magnification calculation algorithm 522 of the second storage device 52 (step S605). If the operator determines that it is easy in the process of step S603, the CPU 5
In step 3, first, the horizontal size X and the horizontal empty size f are extracted from the frame data 111, and the x coordinate value x _c1 of the reference point c ₁ and the x coordinate value x _b1 of b ₁ are extracted. The CPU 53 executes the calculation represented by the above-mentioned formula (1) based on the extracted parameters and the extracted x _c1 and _b1 to obtain the magnification M ₁ .

Next, the CPU 53 causes the offset amount calculation
Calculate the offset amount based on the algorithm 523
(Step S606). First, the CPU 53 starts the frame day.
The horizontal size X is extracted from the data 111 and the line data 114 is extracted.
Detected reference point b₁X coordinate value x_b1And reference point c₁of
x coordinate value x_c1Is extracted. Furthermore, in step S605
Obtained magnification M₁Is extracted. The CPU 53
Based on the parameters etc., the calculation shown in the above equation (2) is performed.
Execute and offset amount x in the x coordinate axis direction _offSeeking
Confuse. Next, the CPU 53 uses the frame data 111 to perform vertical support.
Iz Y and sky size g are extracted to determine whether line data 114
Reference point a₁Y coordinate value of y_a1Is extracted. In addition,
Magnification M determined in step S605₁Is extracted. CPU53
Is the extracted parameter and magnification M₁Based on the above
The calculation shown in (3) is executed, and the y-coordinate axis direction is related.
Offset amount y_offAsk for.

Next, the CPU 53, based on the combining algorithm 524 of the second storage device 52, cuts out the data 119.
Is combined with the frame data 111 (step S607).
At this time, the CPU 53 multiplies the cutout data 119 by the magnification M ₁ obtained in step S604. As a result, the size of the cutout data 119 is subjected to similarity conversion. As described above, since the cutout data 119 and the frame data 111 have independent coordinate origins, the CPU 53 adds the offset amounts x _off and y _off to the cutout data 119 whose size has been converted. To do. by this,
The cutout data 119 will be accurately combined and arranged at a predetermined position defined by the parameters of the frame data 111.

When the image processing in steps S602 to S607 described above is completed, an image (composite image 118) in which the cutout data 119 is fitted in the frame data 111 is completed. After that, the CPU 53 inquires of the operator whether or not the image processing has been completed for all the basic data 112 (step S608). In response to this, when the operator inputs a positive answer with the pointing device 55 or the like, the CPU 53 executes the image processing in S602 to S607 on the other basic data 112 again. Further, the CPU 53 ends the image processing when the operator inputs a negative answer.

As described above, in the image processing apparatus according to this embodiment, when the cutout data 119 is created from the basic data 112, the pointing device 55 is operated to cut out the basic data 112 and other parts. Indicate the boundary between and. The CPU 53 detects the reference points a ₁ , b ₁ and c ₁ based on the line data 114 created at this time. Therefore, it is not necessary for the operator to specify the reference point again after the operation with the pointing device 55. This reduces the operator's burden on the main image processing. As a result, work efficiency is also improved.

Next, in the processing in step S603,
When the operator inputs a response indicating that it is difficult to detect the reference point from the line data 114, the CPU 53 executes the process of step S609. Hereinafter, such a case will be described.

First, the CPU 53 prompts the operator to designate a predetermined reference point (jaw position in this embodiment) of the cutout data 119 (see FIG. 4) displayed on the monitor 54. In response to this, the operator operates the pointing device 55 to indicate the position of the jaw on the basic data 112 and set it as the reference point d ₂ . Next, the CPU 53 determines the other three reference points (points a ₂ , b ₂ shown in FIG. 6) similarly to the processing in step S604.
(see c ₂ ) is detected (step S609). However,
In the example shown in FIG. 6, when the reference point b ₂ and the reference point c ₂ are detected, it is not necessary to hold the respective reference point candidates and execute a process for defining them as formal reference points. The process of detecting the point having the minimum value and the maximum value from the line data 114 may be executed. The CPU 53
The detected points a ₂ , b ₂ , c ₂ and d ₂ are associated with the line data 114 and stored in the first storage device 51.

Next, the CPU 53 obtains the magnification M ₂ based on the magnification calculation algorithm 522 (step S6).
05). At this time, the CPU 53 firstly sets the frame data 1
From 11 vertical size Y, sky size g and jaw space size h
And the y coordinate value y _a2 of the point a ₂ corresponding to the crown and the y coordinate value y _d2 of the point d ₂ corresponding to the chin are extracted from the cutout data 119. The CPU 53 executes the calculation shown in the equation (4) based on the extracted parameters and the like to obtain the magnification M ₂ .

Subsequent processing steps S606 to S608 are the same as the above-mentioned processing, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

Next, an image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of the image processing apparatus according to this embodiment. In FIG. 9, the image processing apparatus of this embodiment is provided with a disk drive 701 and a third storage apparatus 703 instead of the second storage apparatus 52 in the image processing apparatus shown in FIG.
Since the other configurations are the same as those of the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1, the corresponding portions are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. The disk drive 701 includes a portable recording medium 70 that stores a predetermined algorithm.
2 is attached. The disk drive 701 is the CPU 5
A predetermined algorithm is read from the portable recording medium 702 on the basis of the instruction from 3. Here, the predetermined algorithm is the reference point detection algorithm 521, the magnification calculation algorithm 522, the offset amount calculation algorithm 523, and the combination algorithm 524 described in the first embodiment. Further, examples of the portable recording medium 702 include a magnetic disk, an optical disk, and a magneto-optical disk. Therefore, the disk drive 701 is a magnetic disk drive, an optical disk drive, or a magneto-optical disk drive that can drive the illustrated portable recording medium 702. The third storage device 703 is a readable and writable storage device (for example, RAM),
The algorithm read by the disk drive 701 is stored.

In the above construction, when executing the image processing, the operator first sets the portable recording medium 702 in the disk drive 701, and then the portable recording medium 7 is set.
02 stored in the third storage device 7
03, the CPU 53 is instructed to execute the download by operating the pointing device 55 or the like. In response to this, the CPU 53 stores the algorithm read by the disk drive 701 in the third storage device 703 (this process is generally called installation). It should be noted that this installation may be performed once.

As described above, the above algorithm is stored in the third storage device 703. The subsequent processing is the same as that of the first embodiment described above, and thus the description thereof is omitted. However, the CPU 53 is different from the above-described first embodiment in that the CPU 53 executes an operation based on an algorithm stored in the third storage device 703.

In the above embodiment, only the person has been described. However, it is possible to apply the above-mentioned image processing to an advertisement or a product to be published in a catalog.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing frame data 111 used for image processing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a first basic data 112 and a mask data 113 used for image processing according to the embodiment of the present invention.
It is a figure showing the example of.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a cropped image used for image processing according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an offset amount used for image processing according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a composite image obtained as a result of image processing according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a second example of basic data used for image processing according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

8 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing in the image processing apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image processing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining image processing executed by a conventional image processing apparatus.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a conventional image processing procedure.

[Explanation of symbols]

 111 ... Frame data 112 ... Basic data 113 ... Mask data 114 ... Line data 118 ... Composite image 119 ... Cutout data 51 ... First storage device 52 ... Second storage device 521 ... Reference point detection algorithm 522 ... Magnification calculation algorithm 523 ... Offset Quantity calculation algorithm 524 ... Synthesis algorithm 53 ... CPU 54 ... Monitor 55 ... Pointing device 56 ... Keyboard 57 ... System bus 701 ... Disk drive 702 ... Portable recording medium 703 ... Third storage device

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A method for synthesizing image information (hereinafter referred to as first image information) read from an image original with background image information (hereinafter referred to as second image information) prepared in advance. The second image information includes a parameter for defining a predetermined area in the background, and the second image information includes contour information for defining a contour of the image instructed with respect to the first image information. A first step of generating and storing; image information of a portion to be combined with the second image information from the first image information based on the contour information (hereinafter,
Based on the parameter and the reference point, a second step of cutting out and storing (referred to as third image information), a third step of detecting a reference point referred to when synthesizing from the contour information, The third
A step of obtaining a magnification for converting the image information of No. 1 to a size suitable for the predetermined area, and the size of the third image information is converted based on the magnification obtained in the fourth step. And an image processing method including a fifth step of combining with the second image information. 2. Based on the parameter and the reference point, the third region for the predetermined region of the second image information is generated.
Further comprising a sixth step of obtaining the offset amount of the image information, the fifth step converting the size of the third image information based on the magnification, and then the third step based on the offset amount. The image processing method according to claim 1, wherein the position of the image information is shifted and combined with the second image information. 3. A method for synthesizing image information read from an image original (hereinafter referred to as first image information) with previously prepared background image information (hereinafter referred to as second image information). A device, including parameters for defining a predetermined area in a background,
Background storing means for storing the second image information, and contour information generation / storing for generating and storing contour information for defining the contour of the image instructed with respect to the first image information.
Storage means, and image information of a portion to be combined with the second image information from the first image information based on the contour information (hereinafter,
Partial image storage means for cutting out and storing (referred to as third image information), reference point detection means for detecting a reference point referred to when synthesizing from the contour information, and based on the parameter and the reference point. And the third
Of the third image information based on the magnification calculated by the magnification calculating means, and a magnification calculating means for calculating a magnification for converting the image information of the image information into a size suitable for the predetermined area. And an image processing apparatus including a combining unit that combines the second image information. 4. The third region for a predetermined region of the second image information based on the parameter and the reference point.
Offset amount calculation means for calculating the offset amount of the image information, the synthesizing means converts the size of the third image information based on the magnification, and then the third amount based on the offset amount. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the position of the image information of is shifted and combined with the second image information.